Herbicidal or fungicidal sulphonylaminocarbonyltriazolinones with halogenated alk(en)ylthio substituents

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to novel sulphonylaminocarbonyltriazolinones of the formula (I), ##STR1## in which R 1  represents hydrogen, hydroxyl, amino, alkylideneamino or a respectively optionally substituted radical from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, alkinyl, alkylamino, dialkylamino, alkanoylamino, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, cycloalkylamino, aryl, arylalkyl, 
     R 2  represents respectively halogen-substituted alkyl or alkenyl and 
     R 3  represents a respectively optionally substituted radical from the group consisting of alkyl, aralkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, 
     and to salts of compounds of the formula (I), to processes and novel intermediates for preparing the compounds (I) and to their use as herbicides and/or fungicides.

This application is a 371 of PCT/EP96 00834 filed Mar. 1, 1996.

The invention relates to novel sulphonylaminocarbonyltriazolinones having halogenoalkylthio substituents, to a plurality of processes and novel intermediates for their preparation and to their use as herbicides and fungicides.

Certain sulphonylaminocarbonyltriazolinones are already known to have herbicidal properties (cf EP-A 34148, EP-A 422469, EP-A 425948, EP-A 431291, EP-A 507171). However, the activity of these compounds is not in all aspects satisfactory.

This invention accordingly provides the novel sulphonylaminocarbonyltriazolinones having halogenoalkylthio substituents of the general formula (I) ##STR2##

in which

R¹ represents hydrogen, hydroxyl, amino, alkylideneamino or a respectively optionally substituted radical from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, alkinyl, alkylamino, dialkylamino, alkanoylamino, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, cycloalkylamino, aryl, arylalkyl,

R² represents respectively halogen-substituted alkyl or alkenyl and

R³ represents a respectively optionally substituted radical from the group consisting of alkyl, aralkyl, aryl, heteroaryl,

and salts of compounds of the formula (I).

The novel sulphonylaminocarbonyltriazolinones having halogenoalkylthio substituents of the general formula (I) are obtained when

(a) triazolinones of the general formula (II) ##STR3## in which R¹ and R² are each as defined above

are reacted with sulphonyl isocyanates of the general formula (III)

    R.sup.3 --SO.sub.2 --N═C═O                         (III)

in which

R³ is as defined above,

if appropriate in the presence of a reaction auxiliary and if appropriate in the presence of a diluent, or

(b) triazolinone derivatives of the general formula (IV) ##STR4## in which R¹ and R² are each as defined above and

Z represents halogen, alkoxy, aralkoxy or aryloxy

are reacted with sulphonamides of the general formula (V)

    R.sup.3 --SO.sub.2 --NH.sub.2                              (V)

in which

R³ is as defined above,

if appropriate in the presence of an acid acceptor and if appropriate in the presence of a diluent, or

(c) triazolinones of the general formula (II) ##STR5## in which R¹ and R² are each as defined above

are reacted with sulphonamide derivatives of the general formula (VI)

    R.sup.3 --SO.sub.2 --NH--CO--Z                             (VI)

in which

R³ is as defined above and

Z represents halogen, alkoxy, aralkoxy or aryloxy,

if appropriate in the presence of an acid acceptor and if appropriate in the presence of a diluent, or

(d) triazolinones of the general formula (II) ##STR6## in which R¹ and R² are each as defined above

are reacted with sulphonyl halides of the general formula (VII)

    R.sup.3 --SO.sub.2 --X                                     (VII)

in which

R³ is as defined above and

X represents halogen

and metal cyanates of the general formula (VIII)

    MOCN                                                       (VIII)

in which

M represents an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal equivalent,

if appropriate in the presence of a reaction auxiliary and if appropriate in the presence of a diluent,

and the compounds of the formula (I) obtained by process (a), (b), (c) or (d) are, if required, converted by customary methods into salts.

The novel sulphonylaminocarbonyltriazolinones having halogenoalkylthio substituents of the general formula (I) have strong herbicidal and/or fungicidal activity.

The invention preferably provides compounds of formula (I) in which

R¹ represents hydrogen, hydroxyl, amino, C₁ -C₆ -alkylideneamino, or optionally fluorine-, chlorine-, bromine-, cyano-, C₁ -C₄ -alkoxy-, C₁ -C₄ -alkyl-carbonyl- or C₁ -C₄ -alkoxy-carbonyl-substituted C₁ -C₆ -alkyl, or respectively optionally fluorine-, chlorine- and/or bromine-substituted C₂ -C₆ -alkenyl or C₂ -C₆ -alkinyl, or respectively optionally fluorine- and/or chlorine-substituted C₁ -C₆ -alkylamino, di-(C₁ -C₄ -alkyl)-amino or C₁ -C₄ -alkanoylamino, or respectively optionally fluorine-, chlorine-, bromine- and/or C₁ -C₄ -alkyl-substituted C₃ -C₆ -cycloalkyl or C₃ -C₆ -cycloalkyl-C₁ -C₄ -alkyl, or respectively optionally fluorine-, chlorine-, bromine-, cyano-, nitro-, C₁ -C₄ -alkyl-, trifluoromethyl-, C₁ -C₄ -alkoxy- and/or C₁ -C₄ -alkoxy-carbonyl-substituted phenyl or phenyl-C₁ -C₄ -alkyl,

R² represents respectively fluorine-, chlorine- and/or bromine-substituted C₁ -C₆ -alkyl or C₂ -C₆ -alkenyl and

R³ represents the grouping ##STR7##

in which

R⁴ and R⁵ are identical or different and each represent hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, nitro, C₁ -C₆ -alkyl, (which is optionally substituted by fluorine, chlorine, bromine, cyano, carboxyl, C₁ -C₄ -alkoxy-carbonyl, C₁ -C₄ -alkylamino-carbonyl, di-(C₁ -C₄ -alkyl)amino-carbonyl, hydroxyl, C₁ -C₄ -alkoxy, formyloxy, C₁ -C₄ -alkylcarbonyloxy, C₁ -C₄ -alkoxy-carbonyloxy, C₁ -C₄ -alkylamino-carbonyloxy, C₁ -C₄ -alkylthio, C₁ -C₄ -alkylsulphinyl, C₁ -C₄ -alkyl-sulphonyl, di-(C₁ -C₄ -alkyl)-aminosulphonyl, C₃ -C₆ -cycloalkyl or phenyl), or C₂ -C₆ -alkenyl (which is optionally substituted by fluorine, chlorine, bromine, cyano, C₁ -C₄ -alkoxycarbonyl, carboxyl or phenyl), or C₂ -C₆ -alkinyl (which is optionally substituted by fluorine, chlorine, bromine, cyano, C₁ -C₄ -alkoxy-carbonyl, carboxyl or phenyl), or C₁ -C₄ -alkoxy (which is optionally substituted by fluorine, chlorine, bromine, cyano, carboxyl, C₁ -C₄ -alkoxy-carbonyl, C₁ -C₄ -alkoxy, C₁ -C₄ -alkylthio, C₁ -C₄ -alkylsulphinyl or C₁ -C₄ -alkylsulphonyl), or C₁ -C₄ -alkylthio (which is optionally substituted by fluorine, chlorine, bromine, cyano, carboxyl, C₁ -C₄ -alkoxy-carbonyl, C₁ -C₄ -alkylthio, C₁ -C₄ -alkylsulphinyl or C₁ -C₄ -alkylsulphonyl), or C₂ -C₆ -alkenyloxy (which is optionally substituted by fluorine, chlorine, bromine, cyano or C₁ -C₄ -alkoxy-carbonyl), or C₂ -C₆ -alkenylthio (which is optionally substituted by fluorine, chlorine, bromine, cyano, nitro, C₁ -C₃ -alkylthio or C₁ -C₄ -alkoxycarbonyl), C₃ -C₆ -alkinyloxy, C₃ -C₆ -alkinylthio or the radical --S(O)_(p) --R⁶, where

p represents the numbers 1 or 2 and

R⁶ represents C₁ -C₄ -alkyl (which is optionally substituted by fluorine, chlorine, bromine, cyano or C₁ -C₄ -alkoxy-carbonyl), C₃ -C₆ -alkenyl, C₃ -C₆ -alkinyl, C₁ -C₄ -alkoxy, C₁ -C₄ -alkoxy-C₁ -C₄ -alkylamino, C₁ -C₄ -alkylamino, di-(C₁ -C₄ -alkyl)-amino, phenyl or the radical --NHOR⁷, where

R⁷ represents C₁ -C₁₂ -alkyl (which is optionally substituted by fluorine, chlorine, cyano, C₁ -C₄ -alkoxy, C₁ -C₄ -alkylthio, C₁ -C₄ -alkylsulphinyl, C₁ -C₄ -alkylsulphonyl, C₁ -C₄ -alkyl-carbonyl, C₁ -C₄ -alkoxy-carbonyl, C₁ -C₄ -alkylamino-carbonyl or di-(C₁ -C₄ -alkyl)-amino-carbonyl), or C₃ -C₆ -alkenyl (which is optionally substituted by fluorine, chlorine or bromine), C₃ -C₆ -alkinyl, C₃ -C₆ -cycloalkyl, C₃ -C₆ -cycloalkyl-C₁ -C₂ -alkyl, phenyl-C₁ -C₂ -alkyl (which is optionally substituted by fluorine, chlorine, nitro, cyano, C₁ -C₄ -alkyl, C₁ -C₄ -alkoxy or C₁ -C₄ -alkoxy-carbonyl), or benzohydryl or phenyl (which is optionally substituted by fluorine, chlorine, nitro, cyano, C₁ -C₄ -alkyl, trifluoromethyl, C₁ -C₄ -alkoxy, C₁ -C₂ -fluoroalkoxy, C₁ -C₄ -alkylthio, trifluoromethylthio or C₁ -C₄ -alkoxy-carbonyl),

R⁴ and/or R⁵ further each represent phenyl or phenoxy, or C₁ -C₄ -alkyl-carbonylamino, C₁ -C₄ -alkoxy-carbonylamino, C₁ -C₄ -alkylamino-carbonyl-amino, di-(C₁ -C₄ -alkyl)-amino-carbonylamino, or the radical --CO--R⁸, where

R⁸ represents hydrogen, C₁ -C₆ -alkyl, C₃ -C₆ -cycloalkyl, C₁ -C₆ -alkoxy, C₃ -C₆ -cycloalkoxy, C₃ -C₆ -alkenyloxy, C₁ -C₄ -alkylthio, C₁ -C₄ -alkylamino, C₁ -C₄ -alkoxyamino, C₁ -C₄ -alkoxy-C₁ -C₄ -alkyl-amino or di-(C₁ -C₄ -alkyl)-amino (each of which are optionally substituted by fluorine and/or chlorine),

R⁴ and/or R⁵ further each represent trimethylsilyl, thiazolinyl, C₁ -C₄ -alkylsulphonyloxy, di-(C₁ -C₄ -alkyl)-amino-sulphonylamino or the radical

    --CH═N--R.sup.9, where

R⁹ represents optionally fluorine-, chlorine-, cyano-, carboxyl-, C₁ -C₄ -alkoxy-, C₁ -C₄ -alkylthio-, C₁ -C₄ -alkylsulphinyl- or C₁ -C₄ -alkylsulphonyl-substituted C₁ -C₆ -alkyl, or optionally fluorine- or chlorine-substituted benzyl, or optionally fluorine- or chlorine-substituted C₃ -C₆ -alkenyl or C₃ -C₆ -alkinyl, or optionally fluorine-, chlorine-, bromine-, C₁ -C₄ -alkyl-, C₁ C₄ -alkoxy-, trifluoromethyl-, trifluoromethoxy- or trifluoro-methylthio-substituted phenyl, or optionally fluorine- and/or chlorine-substituted C₁ -C₆ -alkoxy, C₃ -C₆ -alkenoxy, C₃ -C₆ -alkinoxy or benzyloxy, or amino, C₁ -C₄ -alkylamino, di-(C₁ -C₄ -alkyl)-amino, phenylamino, C₁ -C₄ -alkyl-carbonyl-amino, C₁ -C₄ -alkoxy-carbonylamino, C₁ -C₄ -alkyl-sulphonylamino or optionally fluorine-, chlorine-, bromine- or methyl-substituted phenylsulphonylamino,

furthermore

R³ represents the radical ##STR8## in which R¹⁰ represents hydrogen or C₁ -C₄ -alkyl,

R¹¹ and R¹² are identical or different and each represent hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine, bromine, nitro, cyano, C₁ -C₄ -alkyl (which is optionally substituted by fluorine and/or chlorine), C₁ -C₄ -alkoxy (which is optionally substituted by fluorine and/or chlorine), carboxyl, C₁ -C₄ -alkoxy-carbonyl, dimethylaminocarbonyl, C₁ -C₄ -alkylsulphonyl or di-(C₁ -C₄ -alkyl)-aminosulphonyl;

furthermore

R³ represents the radical ##STR9## in which R¹³ and R¹⁴ are identical or different and each represent hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine, bromine, nitro, cyano, C₁ -C₄ -alkyl (which is optionally substituted by fluorine and/or chlorine) or C₁ -C₄ -alkoxy (which is optionally substituted by fluorine and/or chlorine);

furthermore

R³ represents the radical ##STR10## in which R¹⁵ and R¹⁶ are identical or different and each represent hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine, bromine, nitro, cyano, C₁ -C₄ -alkyl (which is optionally substituted by fluorine and/or chlorine), C₁ -C₄ -alkoxy (which is optionally substituted by fluorine and/or chlorine), or C₁ -C₄ -alkylthio, C₁ -C₄ -alkylsulphinyl or C₁ -C₄ -alkylsulphonyl (which is optionally substituted by fluorine and/or chlorine), or aminosulphonyl, mono-(C₁ -C₄ -alkyl)-aminosulphonyl, or di-(C ₁ -C₄ -alkyl)-aminosulphonyl or C₁ -C₄ -alkoxy-carbonyl or dimethylaminocarbonyl;

furthermore

R³ represents the radical ##STR11## in which R¹⁷ and R¹⁸ are identical or different and each represent hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine, bromine, C₁ -C₄ -alkyl (which is optionally substituted by fluorine and/or bromine), C₁ -C₄ -alkoxy (which is optionally substituted by fluorine and/or chlorine), or C₁ -C₄ -alkylthio, C₁ -C₄ -alkylsulphinyl or C₁ -C₄ -alkylsulphonyl (each of which are optionally substituted by fluorine and/or chlorine), or di-(C₁ -C₄ -alkyl)-aminosulphonyl;

furthermore

R³ represents the radical ##STR12## in which R¹⁹ and R²⁰ are identical or different and each represent hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine, bromine, cyano, nitro, C₁ -C₄ -alkyl (which is optionally substituted by fluorine and/or chlorine), C₁ -C₄ -alkoxy (which is optionally substituted by fluorine and/or chlorine), C₁ -C₄ -alkylthio, C₁ -C₄ -alkylsulphinyl or C₁ -C₄ -alkylsulphonyl (which is optionally substituted by fluorine and/or chlorine), di-(C₁ -C₄ -alkyl)-amino-sulphonyl, C₁ -C₄ -alkoxy-carbonyl or dimethylaminocarbonyl, and

A represents oxygen, sulphur or the grouping N--Z¹, where

Z¹ represents hydrogen, C₁ -C₄ -alkyl (which is optionally substituted by fluorine, chlorine, bromine or cyano), C₃ -C₆ -cycloalkyl, benzyl, phenyl (which is optionally substituted by fluorine, chlorine, bromine or nitro), C₁ -C₄ -alkylcarbonyl, C₁ -C₄ -alkoxy-carbonyl or di-(C₁ -C₄ -alkyl)-aminocarbonyl;

furthermore

R³ represents the radical ##STR13## in which R²¹ and R²² are identical or different and each represent hydrogen, C₁ -C₄ -alkyl, halogen, C₁ -C₄ -alkoxycarbonyl, C₁ -C₄ -alkoxy or C₁ -C₄ -halogenoalkoxy,

Y¹ represents sulphur or the grouping N--R²³, where

R²³ represents hydrogen or C₁ -C₄ -alkyl;

furthermore

R³ represents the radical ##STR14## in which R²⁴ represents hydrogen, C₁ -C₄ -alkyl, benzyl, pyridyl, quinolyl or phenyl,

R²⁵ represents hydrogen, halogen, cyano, nitro, C₁ -C₄ -alkyl (which is optionally substituted by fluorine and/or chlorine), C₁ -C₄ -alkoxy (which is optionally substituted by fluorine and/or chlorine), dioxolanyl or C₁ -C₄ -alkoxy-carbonyl and

R²⁶ represents hydrogen, halogen or C₁ -C₄ -alkyl.

Furthermore, the invention preferably provides sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, ammonium, C₁ -C₄ -alkyl-ammonium, di-(C₁ -C₄ -alkyl)-ammonium, tri-(C₁ -C₄ -alkyl)-ammonium, tetra-(C₁ -C₄ -alkyl)-ammonium, tri-(C₁ -C₄ -alkyl)-sulphonium, C₅ - or C₆ -cycloalkyl-ammonium and di-(C₁ -C₂ -alkyl)-benzylammonium salts of the compounds of the formula (I) in which n, R¹, R² and R³ each have the preferred meanings given above.

The invention in particular provides compounds of the formula (I) in which

R¹ represents respectively optionally fluorine-, chlorine-, cyano-, methoxy- or ethoxy-substituted methyl, ethyl, n- or i-propyl, n-, i-, s- or t-butyl, or respectively optionally fluorine-, chlorine- or bromine-substituted propenyl, butenyl, propinyl or butinyl, or methylamino, ethylamino, n- or i-propylamino, n-, i-, s- or t-butylamino, dimethylamino or diethylamino, or respectively optionally fluorine-, chlorine-, bromine-, methyl- or ethyl-substituted cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cyclopropylmethyl, cyclobutylmethyl, cyclopentylmethyl or cyclohexylmethyl, or respectively optionally fluorine-, chlorine-, bromine-, cyano-, methyl-, trifluoromethyl- or methoxy-substituted benzyl or phenyl,

R² represents respectively fluorine- and/or chlorine-substituted methyl, ethyl, n- or i-propyl, n-, i-, s- or t-butyl, propenyl or butenyl and

R³ represents the radical ##STR15## in which R⁴ represents fluorine, chlorine, bromine, methyl, ethyl, n- or i-propyl, trifluoromethyl, methoxy, ethoxy, n- or i-propoxy, n- or i-butoxy, difluoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy, 2-chloro-ethoxy, 2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy, 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoro-ethoxy, 1,1,2,2,2-pentafluoro-ethoxy, 2-methoxy-ethoxy, methylthio, ethylthio, n- or i-propylthio, n-or i-butylthio, 2-fluoro-ethylthio, allyloxy, propargyloxy, methylsulphinyl, ethylsulphinyl, methylsulphonyl, ethylsulphonyl, dimethylaminosulphonyl, diethylaminosulphonyl, N-methoxy-N-methylamino-sulphonyl, phenyl, phenoxy, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, n- or i-propoxycarbonyl, and

R⁵ represents hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, fluorine, chlorine or bromine;

furthermore

R³ represents the radical ##STR16## in which R¹⁰ represents hydrogen,

R¹¹ represents fluorine, chlorine, bromine, methyl, methoxy, difluoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy, ethoxy, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, methylsulphonyl or dimethylaminosulphonyl and

R¹² represents hydrogen;

furthermore

R³ represents the radical ##STR17## in which R represents methyl, ethyl, n- or i-propyl, or

R³ represents the radical ##STR18## in which R²⁴ represents methyl, ethyl, n- or i-propyl, phenyl or pyridyl,

R²⁵ represents hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine or bromine and

R²⁶ represents fluorine, chlorine, bromine, methoxycarbonyl or ethoxycarbonyl.

The abovementioned general or preferred radical definitions apply both to the end products of the formula (I) and, correspondingly, to the precursors or intermediates required in each case for the preparation. These radical definitions can be combined with one another as desired, thus including combination between the preferred ranges indicated.

In the definitions of the radicals, hydrocarbon radicals such as alkyl, alkenyl or alkinyl are straight-chain or branched, even in combinations with hetero atoms, as in alkoxy, alkylthio or alkylamino, even if this is not explicitly stated.

Halogen generally represents fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine, preferably fluorine, chlorine or bromine, in particular fluorine or chlorine.

Using for example, 2-trifluoromethoxy-phenylsulphonyl isocyanate and 4-ethyl-5-difluoromethylthio-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazol-3-one as starting materials, the course of the reaction in the process (a) according to the invention can be illustrated by the following equation: ##STR19##

Using, for example, 2-ethylthio-benzenesulphonamide and 2-chlorocarbonyl-4-cyclopropyl-5-(2,2-difluoro-ethylthio)-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazol-3-one as starting materials, the course of the reaction in the process (b) according to the invention can be illustrated by the following equation: ##STR20##

Using, for example, N-methoxycarbonyl-2-methoxy-benzenesulphonamide and 5-(2-chloro-ethylthio)-4-methyl-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazol-3-one as starting materials, the course of the reaction in the process (c) according to the invention can be illustrated by the following equation: ##STR21##

Using, for example, 2-chloro-6-methyl-benzenesulphonyl chloride, 4-allyl-5-(2,3,3-trifluoro-propylthio)-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazol-3-one and sodium cyanate as starting materials, the course of the reaction in the process (d) according to the invention can be illustrated by the following equation: ##STR22##

A general definition of the triazolinones to be used as starting materials in the processes (a), (c) and (d) according to the invention for preparing compounds of the formula (I) is given by the formula (II).

In the formula (II), R¹ and R² each preferably or in particular have that meaning which has already been indicated above, in connection with the description of the compounds of the formula (I) according to the invention, as being preferable or particularly preferable for R¹ and R².

The triazolinones of the general formula (II) have not been disclosed in the literature; as novel substances, they also form part of the subject matter of the present application.

The novel triazolinones of the general formula (II) are obtained when mercaptotriazolinones of the general formula (IX) ##STR23## in which R¹ is as defined above ps and/or the corresponding isomeric thiourazoles and/or the corresponding metal salts, in particular sodium salts or potassium salts are reacted with alkylating agents of the general formula (X)

    X.sup.1 --R.sup.2                                          (X)

in which

R² is as defined above and

X¹ represents halogen, preferably chlorine, bromine or iodine,

if appropriate in the presence of an acid acceptor, such as, for example, sodium hydroxide, and in the presence of a diluent, such as, for example dioxane, methanol, ethanol, n- or i-propanol and/or water, at temperatures between 0° C. and 100° C. (cf. the preparation examples).

The intermediates of the formula (IX) are known and/or can be prepared by conventional processes (cf. EP-A 43 1291; DE-A 2250572; J. Heterocycl. Chem. 15 (1978), 377-384).

The intermediates of the formula (X) are also known and/or can be prepared by conventional processes (cf J. Fluorine Chem. 13 (1979), 325; loc. cit. 20 (1982), 637; loc. cit. 21 (1982), 253; loc. cit 28 (1985), 291); J. Chem. Soc., Perkin II 1975, 1841).

A general definition of the sulphonyl isocyanates also to be used as starting materials in the process (a) according to the invention for preparing compounds of the formula (I) is given by the formula (III).

In the formula (III), R³ preferably or in particular has that meaning which has already been indicated above, in connection with the description of the compounds of the formula (I) according to the invention, as being preferable or particularly preferable for R³.

The starting materials of the formula (III) are known and/or can be prepared by methods known per se (cf. U.S. Pat. No. 4,127,405, U.S. Pat. No. 4,169,719, U.S. Pat. No. 4,371,391, EP-A7687, EP-A 13480, EP-A21641, EP-A23141, EP-A23422, EP-A30139, EP-A 35893; EP-A 44808; EP-A 44809, EP-A 48143, EP-A 51466, EP-A 64322, EP-A 70041, EP-A 173312).

A general definition of the triazolinone derivatives to be used as starting materials in the process (b) according to the invention for preparing compounds of the general formula (I) is given by the formula (IV). In the formula (IV), R¹ and R² each preferably or in particular have that meaning which has already been indicated above, in connection with the description of the compounds of the formula (I), as being preferable or particularly preferable for R¹ and R² ; Z preferably represents fluorine, chlorine, bromine, methoxy, ethoxy, benzyloxy, phenoxy, halogeno- or nitro-phenoxy, and in particular represents methoxy, phenoxy or 4-nitro-phenoxy.

The starting materials of the formula (IV) have not been disclosed in the literature; as novel substances, they also form part of the subject matter of the present application.

The novel compounds of the formula (IV) are obtained when triazolinones of the general formula (II) ##STR24## in which R¹ and R² are each as defined above,

are reacted with carbonic acid derivatives of the general formula (XIII)

    Z--CO--Z.sup.1                                             (XIII)

in which

Z is as defined above and

Z¹ represents halogen, alkoxy, aralkoxy or aryloxy,

if appropriate in the presence of an acid acceptor, such as, for example, sodium hydride or potassium hydride, sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, sodium t-butoxide or potassium t-butoxide, and if appropriate in the presence of a diluent, such as, for example, tetrahydrofuran or dimethoxyethane, or in a two-phase system of water and an organic solvent, such as, for example, methylene chloride or chloroform at temperatures between 0° C. and 100° C.

A general definition of the sulphonamides also to be used as starting materials in the process (b) according to the invention for preparing compounds of the general formula (I) is given by the formula (V). In the formula (V), R³ preferably or in particular has that meaning which has already been indicated above, in connection with the description of the compounds of the formula (I), as being preferable or particularly preferable for R³.

The starting materials of the formula (V) are known and/or can be prepared by methods known per se (cf. U.S. Pat. No. 4,127,405, U.S. Pat. No. 4,169,719, U.S. Pat. No. 4,371,391, EP-A 7687, EP-A 13480, EP-A 21641, EP-A 23141, EP-A 23422, EP-A 30139, EP-A 35893, EP-A 44808, EP-A 44809, EP-A 48143, EP-A 51466, EP-A 64322, EP-A 70041, EP-A 173312).

A general definition of the sulphonamide derivatives to be used as starting materials in the process (c) according to the invention for preparing compounds of the formula (I) is given by the formula (VI). In the formula (VI), R³ preferably or in particular has that meaning which has already been indicated above, in connection with the description of the compounds of the formula (I), as being preferable or particularly preferable for R³ ; Z preferably represents fluorine, chlorine, bromine, methoxy, ethoxy, benzyloxy or phenoxy, and in particular represents methoxy or phenoxy.

The starting materials of the formula (VI) are known and/or can be prepared by methods known per se.

A general definition of the sulphonyl halides to be used as starting materials in the process (d) according to the invention for preparing compounds of the formula (I) is given by the formula (VII). In the formula (VII), R³ preferably or in particular has that meaning which has already been indicated above, in connection with the description of the compounds of the formula (I), as being preferable or particularly preferable for R³ ; X preferably represents fluorine, chlorine or bromine, and in particular represents chlorine.

The starting materials of the formula (VII) are known and/or can be prepared by methods known per se.

The processes (a), (b), (c) and (d) according to the invention for the preparation of the novel compounds of the formula (I) are preferably carried out using diluents. Suitable diluents in this context are virtually all inert organic solvents. These include, preferably, aliphatic and aromatic, optionally halogenated hydrocarbons such as pentane, hexane, heptane, cyclohexane, petroleum ether, benzine, ligroin, benzene, toluene, xylene, methylene chloride, ethylene chloride, chloroform, tetrachloromethane, chlorobenzene and o-dichlorobenzene; ethers such as diethyl ether and dibutyl ether, glycol dimethyl ether and diglycol dimethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran and dioxane; ketones such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isopropyl ketone and methyl isobutyl ketone; esters such as methyl acetate and ethyl acetate; nitriles, for example acetonitrile and propionitrile; amides, for example dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide and N-methylpyrrolidone, and also dimethyl sulphoxide, tetramethylene sulphone and hexamethylphosphoric triamide.

As reaction auxiliaries and/or as acid acceptors in the processes (a), (b), (c) and (d) according to the invention it is possible to employ all acid-binding agents which can customarily be used for such reactions. Preference is given to alkali metal hydroxides, for example sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide, alkaline earth metal hydroxides, for example calcium hydroxide, alkali metal carbonates and alkoxides, such as sodium carbonate and potassium carbonate, sodium tert-butoxide and potassium tert-butoxide, and also basic nitrogen compounds, such as trimethylamine, triethylamine, tripropylamine, tributylamine, diisobutylamine, dicyclohexylamine, ethyldiisopropylamine, ethyldicyclohexylamine, N,N-dimethylbenzylamine, N,N-dimethyl-aniline, pyridine, 2-methyl-, 3-methyl-, 4-methyl-, 2,4-dimethyl-, 2,6-dimethyl-, 2-ethyl-, 4-ethyl- and 5-ethyl-2-methyl-pyridine, 1,5-diazabicyclo[4,3,0]-non-5-ene (DBN), 1,8-diazabicyclo[5,4,0]-undec-7-ene (DBU) and 1,4-diazabicyclo-[2,2,2]-octane (DABCO).

The reaction temperatures in the processes (a), (b), (c) and (d) according to the invention can be varied within a relatively wide range. The reactions are in general carried out at temperatures of between -20° C. and +100° C., preferably at temperatures between 0° C. and +80° C.

The processes (a), (b), (c) and (d) according to the invention are generally carried out under atmospheric pressure. However, it is also possible to operate under elevated or reduced pressure.

For carrying out processes (a), (b), (c) and (d) according to the invention, the starting materials required in each case are in general employed in approximately equimolar quantities. However, it is also possible to use one of the components employed in each case in a relatively large excess. The reactions are in general carried out in a suitable diluent in the presence of an acid acceptor, and the reaction mixture is stirred for a number of hours at the particular temperature required. Work-up in the case of the processes (a), (b), (c) and (d) according to the invention is in each case carried out by customary methods (cf the Preparation Examples).

Salts of the compounds of the general formula (I) according to the invention can be prepared if desired. Such salts are obtained in a simple manner by customary methods of forming salts, for example by dissolving or dispersing a compound of the formula (I) in an appropriate solvent, for example methylene chloride, acetone, tert-butyl methyl ether or toluene, and adding an appropriate base. The salts can then--if desired after prolonged stirring--be isolated by concentration or filtration with suction.

The active compounds according to the invention can be used as defoliants, desiccants, haulm killers and, especially, as weed-killers. By weeds, in the broadest sense, there are to be understood all plants which grow in locations where they are not wanted. Whether the substances according to the invention act as total or selective herbicides depends essentially on the amount used.

The active compounds according to the invention can be used, for example, in connection with the following plants:

Dicotyledonous weeds of the genera: Sinapis, Lepidium, Galium, Stellaria, Matricaria, Anthemis, Galinsoga, Chenopodium, Urtica, Senecio, Amaranthus, Portulaca, Xanthium, Convolvulus, Ipomoea, Polygonum, Sesbania, Ambrosia, Cirsium, Carduus, Sonchus, Solanum, Rorippa, Rotala, Lindernia, Lamium, Veronica, Abutilon, Emex, Datura, Viola, Galeopsis, Papaver, Centaurea, Trifolium, Ranunculus and Taraxacum.

Dicotyledonous crops of the genera: Gossypium, Glycine, Beta, Daucus, Phaseolus, Pisum, Solanum, Linum, Ipomoea, Vicia, Nicotiana, Lycopersicon, Arachis, Brassica, Lactuca, Cucumis and Cucurbita.

Monocotyledonous weeds of the genera; Echinochloa, Setaria, Panicum, Digitaria, Phleum, Poa, Festuca, Eleusine, Brachiaria, Lolium, Bromus, Avena, Cyperus, Sorghum, Agropyron, Cynodon, Monochoria, Fimbristylis, Sagittaria, Eleocharis, Scirpus, Paspalum, Ischaemum, Sphenoclea, Dactyloctenium, Agrostis, Alopecurus and Apera.

Monocotyledonous crops of the genera: Oryza, Zea, Triticum, Hordeum, Avena, Secale, Sorghum, Panicum, Saccharum, Ananas, Asparagus and Allium.

However, the use of the active compounds according to the invention is in no way restricted to these genera, but also extends in the same manner to other plants.

The compounds are suitable, depending on the concentration, for the total control of weeds, for example on industrial terrain and rail tracks, and on paths and squares with or without tree plantings. Equally, the compounds can be employed for controlling weeds in perennial crops, for example afforestations, decorative tree plantings, orchards, vineyards, citrus groves, nut orchards, banana plantations, coffee plantations, tea plantations, rubber plantations, oil palm plantations, cocoa plantations, soft fruit plantings and hopfields, in lawns, turf and pasture-land. Furthermore, the compounds can be employed for the total control of weeds and for the selective control of weeds in annual crops.

The compounds of the formula (I) according to the invention are particularly suitable for the selective control of monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous weeds in monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous crops, both pre-emergence and post-emergence.

Additionally, the active compounds according to the invention have a potent microbicidal action and can be practically employed for controlling undesirable microorganisms. The active compounds are suitable for use as crop protection agents, in particular as fungicides.

Fungicides in plant protection are employed for controlling Plasmodiophoromycetes, Oomycetes, Chytridiomycetes, Zygomycetes, Ascomycetes, Basidiomycetes and Deuteromycetes.

Bactericides in plant protection are employed for controlling Pseudomonadaceae, Rhizobiaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, Corynebacteriaceae and Streptomycetaceae.

Some causative organisms of fungal and bacterial diseases which come under the generic names listed above may be mentioned as examples, but not by way of limitation:

Xanthomonas species, such as Xanthomonas campestris pv. oryzae;

Pseudomonas species, such as Pseudomonas syringae pv. lachrymans;

Erwinia species, such as Erwinia amylovora;

Pythium species, such as Pythium ultimum;

Phytophthora species, such as Phytophthora infestans;

Pseudoperonospora species, such as Pseudoperonospora humuli or Pseudoperonospora cubensis;

Plasmopara species, such as Plasmopara viticola;

Bremia species, such as Bremia lactucae;

Peronospora species, such as Peronospora pisi or P. brassicae;

Erysiphe species, such as Erysiphe graminis;

Sphaerotheca species, such as Sphaerotheca fuliginea;

Podosphaera species, such as Podosphaera leucotricha;

Venturia species, such as Venturia inaequalis;

Pyrenophora species, such as Pyrenophora teres or P. graminea (conidia form: Drechslera, syn: Helminthosporium);

Cochliobolus species, such as Cochliobolus sativus (conidia form: Drechslera, syn: Helminthosporium);

Uromyces species, such as Uromyces appendiculatus;

Puccinia species, such as Puccinia recondita;

Sclerotinia species, such as Sclerotinia sclerotiorum;

Tilletia species, such as Tilletia caries;

Ustilago species, such as Ustilago nuda or Ustilago avenae;

Pellicularia species, such as Pellicularia sasakii;

Pyricularia species, such as Pyricularia oryzae;

Fusarium species, such as Fusarium culmorum;

Botrytis species, such as Botrytis cinerea;

Septoria species, such as Septoria nodorum;

Leptosphaeria species, such as Leptosphaeria nodorum;

Cercospora species, such as Cercospora canescens;

Alternaria species, such as Alternaria brassicae;

Pseudocercosporella species, such as Pseudocercosporella herpotrichoides.

The good toleration, by plants, of the active compounds, at the concentrations required for controlling plant diseases, permits treatment of aerial parts of plants, of vegetative propagation stock and seeds, and of the soil.

The compounds of the formula (I) are particularly suitable for the protective treatment of pomaceous fruit, such as apples, against the causative organism of powdery mildew in apple (Podosphaera leucotricha) and to a certain extent also for use in rice against Pyricularia oryzae.

The active compounds can be converted into the customary formulations, such as solutions, emulsions, wettable powders, suspensions, powders, dusting agents, pastes, soluble powders, granules, suspo-emulsion concentrates, natural and synthetic materials impregnated with active compound, and very fine capsules in polymeric substances.

These formulations are produced in a known manner, for example by mixing the active compounds with extenders, that is liquid solvents and/or solid carriers, optionally with the use of surface-active agents, that is emulsifying agents and/or dispersing agents and/or foam-forming agents.

In the case of the use of water as an extender, organic solvents can, for example, also be used as auxiliary solvents. Suitable liquid solvents are in the main: aromatics, such as xylene, toluene or alkylnaphthalenes, chlorinated aromatics and chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons, such as chlorobenzenes, chloroethylenes or methylene chloride, aliphatic hydrocarbons, such as cyclohexane or paraffins, for example petroleum fractions, mineral and vegetable oils, alcohols, such as butanol or glycol as well as their ethers and esters, ketones, such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone or cyclohexanone, strongly polar solvents, such as dimethylformamide and dimethyl sulphoxide, as well as water.

Suitable solid carriers are: for example ammonium salts and ground natural minerals, such as kaolins, clays, talc, chalk, quartz, attapulgite, montmorillonite or diatomaceous earth, and ground synthetic minerals, such as finely divided silica, alumina and silicates, suitable solid carriers for granules are: for example crushed and fractionated natural rocks such as calcite, marble, pumice, sepiolite and dolomite, as well as synthetic granules of inorganic and organic meals, and granules of organic material such as sawdust, coconut shells, maize cobs and tobacco stalks; suitable emulsifying and/or foam-forming agents are: for example non-ionic and anionic emulsifiers, such as polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene fatty alcohol ethers, for example alkylaryl polyglycol ethers, alkylsulphonates, alkyl sulphates, arylsulphonates as well as protein hydrolysates; suitable dispersing agents are: for example lignin-sulphite waste liquors and methylcellulose.

Tackifiers such as carboxymethylcellulose and natural and synthetic polymers in the form of powders, granules or latices, such as gum arabic, polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinyl acetate, as well as natural phospholipids, such as cephalins and lecithins, and synthetic phospholipids, can be used in the formulations. Further additives can be mineral and vegetable oils.

It is possible to use colorants such as inorganic pigments, for example iron oxide, titanium oxide and Prussian Blue, and organic dyes, such as alizarin dyes, azo dyes and metal phthalocyanine dyes, and trace nutrients such as salts of iron, manganese, boron, copper, cobalt, molybdenum and zinc.

The formulations in general contain between 0.1 and 95 per cent by weight of active compound, preferably between 0.5 and 90%.

For controlling weeds, the active compounds according to the invention, as such or in the form of their formulations, can also be used as mixtures with known herbicides, ready-to-use formulations or tank mixes being possible.

Possible components for the mixtures are known herbicides, for example anilides, such as diflufenican and propanil; arylcarboxylic acids, such as dichloropicolinic acid, dicamba and picloram; aryloxyalkanoic acids, such as 2,4-D, 2,4-DB, 2,4-DP, fluroxypyr, MCPA, MCPP and triclopyr; aryloxy-phenoxy-alkanoic esters, such as diclofop-methyl, fenoxaprop-ethyl, fluazifop-butyl, haloxyfop-methyl and quizalofop-ethyl; azinones, such as chloridazon and norflurazon; carbamates, such as chlorpropham, desmedipham, phenmedipham and propham; chloroacetanilides, such as alachlor, acetochlor, butachlor, metazachlor, metolachlor, pretilachlor and propachlor; dinitroanilines, such as oryzalin, pendimethalin and trifluralin; diphenyl ethers, such as acifluorfen, bifenox, fluoroglycofen, fomesafen, halosafen, lactofen and oxyfluorfen; ureas, such as chlorotoluron, diuron, fluometuron, isoproturon, linuron and methabenzthiazuron; hydroxylamines, such as alloxydim, clethodim, cycloxydim, sethoxydim and tralkoxydim; imidazolinones, such as imazethapyr, imazamethabenz, imazapyr and imazaquin; nitriles, such as bromoxynil, dichlobenil and ioxynil; oxyacetamides, such as mefenacet; sulphonyl-ureas, such as amidosulfuron, bensulfuron-methyl, chlorimuron-ethyl, chlorsulfuron, cinosulfuron, metsulfuron-methyl, nicosulfuron, primisulfuron, pyrazosulfuron-ethyl, thifensulfuron-methyl, triasulfuron and tribenuron-methyl; thiocarbamates, such as butylate, cycloate, diallate, EPTC, esprocarb, molinate, prosulfocarb, thiobencarb and triallate; triazines, such as atrazine, cyanazine, simazine, simetryne, terbutryne and terbutylazine; triazinones, such as hexazinone, metamitron and metribuzin; others, such as aminotriazole, benfuresate, bentazone, cinmethylin, clomazone, clopyralid, defenzoquat, dithiopyr, ethofumesate, fluorochloridone, glufosinate, glyphosate, isoxaben, pyridate, quinchlorac, quinmerac, sulphosate and tridiphane.

Mixtures with other known active compounds, such as fungicides, insecticides, acaricides, nematicides, bird repellents, plant nutrients and agents which improve soil structure, are also possible.

The active compounds can be used as such, in the form of their formulations or in the use forms prepared therefrom by further dilution, such as ready-to-use solutions, suspensions, emulsions, powders, pastes and granules. They are used in the customary manner, for example by watering, spraying, atomizing or scattering.

The active compounds according to the invention can be applied either before or after emergence of the plants. They can also be incorporated into the soil before sowing.

The amount of active compound used can vary within a substantial range. It depends essentially on the nature of the desired effect. In general, the amounts used are between 1 g and 10 kg of active compound per hectare of soil surface, preferably between 5 g and 2 kg per ha.

The preparation and use of the active compounds according to the invention can be seen from the examples below.

PREPARATION EXAMPLES Example 1 ##STR25## (Process (a))

1.8 g (10 mmol) of 5-(2-fluoro-ethylthio)-4-methyl-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazol-3-one are dissolved in 50 ml of acetonitrile and treated with 2.65 g (11 mmol) of 2-methoxycarbonylphenylsulphonyl isocyanate. The mixture is stirred for 12 hours at 20° C. and then concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue is stirred with isopropanol/petroleum ether (1:1) and crystallized.

3.8 g (91% of theory) of 5-(2-fluoro-ethylthio)-4-methyl-2-(2-methoxy-carbonyl-phenylsulphonyl-aminocarbonyl)-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazol-3-one of melting point 132° C. are obtained.

By the method of Example 1 and in accordance with the general description of the preparation processes according to the invention, it is also possible to prepare, for example, the compounds of the formula (I) listed in Table 1 below. ##STR26##

                                      TABLE 1                                      __________________________________________________________________________     Examples of compounds of the formula (I)                                                                            Melting                                     Ex. No. R.sup.1 R.sup.2 R.sup.3 point (° C.)                          __________________________________________________________________________       2 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --F                                                                                  170                                        - 3 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --F                                                                               144 27##                                   - 4 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --F                                                                               130 28##                                   - 5 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --F                                                                               133 29##                                   - 6 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --F                                                                               151 30##                                   - 7 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --F                                                                               171 31##                                   - 8 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --F                                                                               159 32##                                   - 9 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --F                                                                               137 33##                                   - 10 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --F                                                                              158 34##                                   - 11 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --F                                                                              149 35##                                   - 12 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --F                                                                              153 36##                                   - 13 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --F                                                                              134 37##                                   - 14 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --F                                                                              181 38##                                   - 15 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --F                                                                              121 39##                                   - 16 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --F                                                                              143 40##                                   - 17 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CF.sub.3                                                                                  133 41##                                   - 18 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CF.sub.3                                                                                  147 42##                                   - 19 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CF.sub.3                                                                                  156 43##                                   - 20 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CF.sub.3                                                                                  153 44##                                   - 21 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CF.sub.3                                                                                  157 45##                                   - 22 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CF.sub.3                                                                                  141 46##                                   - 23 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CF.sub.3                                                                                   99 47##                                   - 24 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CF.sub.3                                                                                  116 48##                                   - 25 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CF.sub.3                                                                                  112 49##                                   - 26 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CF.sub.3                                                                                  111 50##                                   - 27 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CF.sub.3                                                                                   89 51##                                   - 28 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CF.sub.3                                                                                  147 52##                                   - 29 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CF.sub.3                                                                                  149 53##                                   - 30 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CF.sub.3                                                                                  130 54##                                   - 31 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CF.sub.3                                                                                  169 55##                                   - 32 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --CCl.sub.2 --CF.sub.3                                                           151 56##                                   - 33                                                                                                               CH.sub.2 --F                                                                   140 58##                                   - 34                                                                                                               CH.sub.2 --Cl                                                                  152 60##                                   - 35                                                                                                               CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --F                                                        164 62##                                   - 36                                                                                                               CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --F                                                        126 64##                                   - 37                                                                                                               CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --F                                                        143 66##                                   - 38                                                                                                               CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --F                                                        130 68##                                   - 39                                                                                                               CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --F                                                        141 70##                                   - 40                                                                                                               CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --F                                                        134 72##                                   - 41                                                                                                               CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --F                                                        154 74##                                   - 42                                                                                                               CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --F                                                        177 76##                                   - 43                                                                                                               CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --F                                                        138 78##                                   - 44                                                                                                               CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --F                                                        161 80##                                   - 45                                                                                                               CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --F                                                        125 82##                                   - 46                                                                                                               CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --F                                                        106 84##                                   - 47                                                                                                               CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --F                                                        121 86##                                   - 48                                                                                                               CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --F                                                        133 88##                                   - 49                                                                                                               CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --F                                                        155 90##                                   - 50                                                                                                               CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --F                                                        147 92##                                   - 51                                                                                                               CH.sub.2 --CF.sub.3                                                            144 94##                                   - 52                                                                                                               CH.sub.2 --CF.sub.3                                                             95 96##                                   - 53                                                                                                               CH.sub.2 --CF.sub.3                                                            182 98##                                   - 54                                                                                                               CH.sub.2 --CF.sub.3                                                            152 100##                                  - 55                                                                                                               CH.sub.2 --CF.sub.3                                                            115 102##                                  - 56                                                                                                               CH.sub.2 --CF.sub.3                                                            117 104##                                  - 57                                                                                                               CH.sub.2 --CF.sub.3                                                            146 106##                                  - 58                                                                                                               CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --F                                                        151 108##                                  - 59                                                                                                               CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --Cl                                                       158 110##                                  - 60 CH.sub.2 --CH═CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --F                                                            116 111##                                  - 61 CH.sub.2 --CH═CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --F                                                            104 112##                                  - 62 CH.sub.2 --CH═CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --F                                                            101 113##                                  - 63 CH.sub.2 --CH═CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --F                                                            108 114##                                  - 64 CH.sub.2 --CH═CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --F                                                            118 115##                                  - 65 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --CF.sub.3                                                                       150 116##                                  - 66 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --CF.sub.3                                                                       111 117##                                  - 67 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --CF.sub.3                                                                       148 118##                                  - 68 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CHF.sub.2                                                                                 143 119##                                  - 69 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CHF.sub.2                                                                                 128 120##                                  - 70 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CHF.sub.2                                                                                 136 121##                                  - 71                                                                                                               CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --CF.sub.3                                                 185 123##                                  - 72                                                                                                               CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --CF.sub.3                                                 166 125##                                  - 73                                                                                                               CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --CF.sub.3                                                 165 127##                                  - 74                                                                                                               CH.sub.2 --CHF.sub.2                                                           169 129##                                  - 75                                                                                                               CH.sub.2 --CHF.sub.2                                                           154 131##                                  - 76                                                                                                               CH.sub.2 --CHF.sub.2                                                           138 133##                                  - 77 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --Cl                                                                             165 134##                                  - 78 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --Cl                                                                             146 135##                                  - 79 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --Cl                                                                             145 136##                                  - 80 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --Cl                                                                             139 137##                                  - 81 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --Cl                                                                             135 138##                                  - 82 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --Cl                                                                             121 139##                                  - 83 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --Cl                                                                             179 140##                                  - 84 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --Cl                                                                             178 141##                                  - 85 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --Cl                                                                             171 142##                                  - 86 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --Cl                                                                             132 143##                                  - 87 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --Cl                                                                             130 144##                                  - 88 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --Cl                                                                             140 145##                                  - 89 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --Cl                                                                             139 146##                                  - 90 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --Cl                                                                             127 147##                                  - 91 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --Cl                                                                             123 148##                                  - 92                                                                                                               CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --Cl                                                       174 150##                                  - 93                                                                                                               CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --Cl                                                       132 152##                                  - 94                                                                                                               CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --Cl                                                       135 154##                                  - 95                                                                                                               CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --Cl                                                       161 156##                                  - 96                                                                                                               CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --Cl                                                       144 158##                                  - 97                                                                                                               CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --Cl                                                       153 160##                                  - 98                                                                                                               CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --Cl                                                       140 162##                                  - 99                                                                                                               CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --Cl                                                       167 164##                                  - 100                                                                                                              CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --Cl                                                       171 166##                                  - 101                                                                                                              CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --Cl                                                       180 168##                                  - 102                                                                                                              CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --Cl                                                       152 170##                                  - 103                                                                                                              CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --Cl                                                       123 172##                                  - 104                                                                                                              CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --Cl                                                       124 174##                                  - 105                                                                                                              CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --Cl                                                       172 176##                                  - 106                                                                                                              CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --Cl                                                       132 178##                                  - 107 CH.sub.3  CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --Cl                                                                           147 179##                                  - 108 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --F                                                                             153 180##                                  - 109 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CF.sub.3                                                                                  147 81##                                  - 110                                                                                                              CH.sub.2 --CF.sub.3                                                            128 183##                                  - 111                                                                                                              CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --Cl                                                       129 185##                                  - 112                                                                                                              CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --F                                                        146 187##                                  - 113 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --Cl                                                                                        164 88##                                  - 114 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --F                                                                             138 189##                                  - 115 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --Cl                                                                            138 190##                                  - 116 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CHF.sub.2                                                                                144 191##                                  - 117 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --Cl                                                                                       149 192##                                  - 118 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --Cl                                                                                       181 193##                                  - 119 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --Cl                                                                                       180 194##                                  - 120 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --Cl                                                                                       190 195##                                  - 121 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --Cl                                                                                       181 196##                                  - 122                                                                                                              CH.sub.2 --Cl                                                                  129 198##                                  - 123                                                                                                              CH.sub.2 --Cl                                                                  157 200##                                  - 124                                                                                                              CH.sub.2 --Cl                                                                  130 202##                                  - 125                                                                                                              CH.sub.2 --Cl                                                                  169 204##                                  - 126                                                                                                              CH.sub.2 --CHF.sub.2                                                           158 206##                                  - 127 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --Cl                                                                                       171 207##                                  - 128 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CHF.sub.2                                                                                166R208##                               __________________________________________________________________________

The compound listed in Table 1 as Example 58 can, for example, be prepared as follows: ##STR209## (Process (b))

1.07 g (5 mmol) of 2-allyloxy-benzenesulphonamide are dissolved in 25 ml of acetonitrile and admixed with 0.8 g (5.3 mmol) of diazabicycloundecene (DBU) with stirring. After 30 minutes at 20° C., 1.62 g (5 mmol) of 4-cyclopropyl-5-(2-fluoro-ethylthio)-2-phenoxycarbonyl-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazol-3-one are added and the mixture is stirred for a further 12 hours. The reaction mixture is then poured into ice water, acidified with 10% strength hydrochloric acid and extracted twice with methylene chloride. The residue obtained after drying with magnesium sulphate and concentrating under reduced pressure is crystallized from ether.

1.4 g (63% of theory) of 2-(2-allyloxy-phenylsulphonyl-aminocarbonyl)-4-cyclopropyl-5-(2-fluoro-ethylthio)-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazol-3-one of melting point 15° C. are obtained.

The compound listed in Table 1 as Example 59 can, for example, be prepared as follows ##STR210## (Process (d))

A mixture of 4.4 g (20 mmol) of 5-(2-chloro-ethylthio)-4-cyclopropyl-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazol-3-one, 7.6 g (24 mmol) of 2-(N-methoxy-N-methyl-aminosulphonyl)-benzene-sulphonyl chloride, 2.6 g (40 mmol) of sodium cyanate and 1.2 g (15 mmol) of pyridine in 50 ml of acetonitrile is stirred at 20° C. for 48 hours. The mixture is then concentrated under reduced pressure and the oily residue is taken up in methylene chloride and washed with 10% strength hydrochloric acid. The organic phase is dried with magnesium sulphate and concentrated under reduced pressure, and the residue obtained is crystallized from methanol/isopropanol.

4.7 g (45% of theory) of 5-(2-chloroethylthio)-4-cyclopropyl-2-[2-N-methoxy-N-methyl-aminosulphonyl)-phenylsulphonyl-aminocarbonyl]-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazol-3-one of melting point 158° C. are obtained.

STARTING MATERIALS OF THE FORMULA (II) Example (II-1) ##STR211##

6.6 g (0.05 mol) of 5-mercapto-4-methyl-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazol-3-one are dissolved in 40 ml of water and 40 ml of dioxane and admixed with 10 g (0.25 mol) of sodium hydroxide. With vigorous stirring, a gentle stream of frigen 22 (difluorochloromethane) is passed through the mixture at 80° C. for 16 hours. The solution is allowed to cool, adjusted to a weakly acidic pH using 10% strength hydrochloric acid and then extracted repeatedly with ethyl acetate. The combined organic phases are dried with magnesium sulphate, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue is crystallized from diethyl ether.

0.7 g (7.7% of theory) of 5-difluoromethylthio-4-methyl-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazol-3-one of melting point 87° C. is obtained.

Example (II-2) ##STR212##

35.1 g (0.18 mol) of the potassium salt of 5-mercapto-4-allyl-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazol-3-one are dissolved in 200 ml of methanol, admixed with 22.9 g (0.18 mol) of 1-bromo-2-fluoro-ethane and stirred at 20° C. for 12 hours. The mixture is then stirred for another 4 hours at 60° C., cooled and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue is taken up in methylene chloride and washed with 10% strength hydrochloric acid and water. The residue is concentrated under reduced pressure, stirred with petroleum ether and crystallized.

After filtration under suction and drying, 24.8 g (67.9% of theory) of 4-allyl-5-(2-fluoroethylthio)-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazol-3-one of melting point 65° C. are obtained.

By the methods of Examples (II-1) and (II-2), it is also possible to prepare, for example, the compounds of the formula (II) listed in Table 2 below. ##STR213##

                  TABLE 2                                                          ______________________________________                                         Examples of compounds of the formula (II)                                        Ex.                             Melting                                        No. R.sup.1 R.sup.2 point (° C.)                                      ______________________________________                                           II-3  CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CF.sub.3 132                                         II-4  CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --CCl.sub.2 --CF.sub.3 121                  II-5  CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --F  88                                      - II-6                                                                                                        CH.sub.2 --F 116                                - II-7                                                                                                        CH.sub.2 --Cl 130                               - II-8                                                                                                        CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --F 120                     - II-9                                                                                                        CH.sub.2 --CF.sub.3 126                         - II-10 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CHF.sub.2  95                                     II-11 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --CF.sub.3 144                               - II-12                                                                                                       CHF.sub.2                                       - II-13                                                                                                       CH.sub.2 --CHF.sub.2 111                        - II-14                                                                                                       CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --CF.sub.3 127                                             - II-15 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --F                  II-16 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --Cl 113                                                - II-17                                                                                                       CF.sub.3                                        - II-18 CH.sub.3 CF.sub.3                                                     II-19 C.sub.2 H.sub.5 CF.sub.3                                                 II-20 CH.sub.2 --CH═CH.sub.2 CF.sub.3                                      II-21 CH.sub.2 --CH═CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --CHF.sub.2                          II-22 CH.sub.2 --CH═CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --CF.sub.3                            - II-23                                                                                                       CF.sub.3                                        - II-24                                                                                                       CGF.sub.2                                       - II-25                                                                                                       CH.sub.2 --F                                    - II-26                                                                                                       CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --F                         - II-27                                                                                                       CH.sub.2 --CHF.sub.2                            - II-28                                                                                                       CH.sub.2 --CF.sub.3                             - II-29 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --Cl 124                                 II-30 CH.sub.2 --CH═CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --Cl                       - II-31                                                                                                       CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --Cl 121                    - II-32                                                                                                       CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --Cl                        - II-33 NH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --F                                                 II-34 NH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --Cl                                                   II-35 NH.sub.2 CH--F.sub.2                                                     II-36 NH.sub.2 CF.sub.3                                                        II-37 NH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --F                                         II-38 NH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --Cl                                        II-39 NH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --CHF.sub.2                                            II-40 NH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --CF.sub.3                                             II-41 NH--CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --F                                                II-42 NH--CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --Cl                                               II-43 NH--CH.sub.3 CF.sub.3                                                    II-44 NH--CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --F                                     II-45 NH--CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --Cl                                    II-46 NH--CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CHF.sub.2                                        II-47 NH--CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CF.sub.3                                         II-48 N(CH.sub.3).sub.2 CH.sub.2 --F                                           II-49 N(CH.sub.3).sub.2 CH.sub.2 --Cl                                          II-50 N(CH.sub.3).sub.2 CHF.sub.2                                              II-51 N(CH.sub.3).sub.2 CF.sub.3                                               II-52 N(CH.sub.3).sub.2 CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --F                                II-53 N(CH.sub.3).sub.2 CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --Cl                               II-54 N(CH.sub.3).sub.2 CH.sub.2 --CHF.sub.2                                   II-55 N(CH.sub.3).sub.2 CH.sub.2 --CF.sub.3                                    II-56 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CHBr--CF.sub.3                                       II-57 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CF.sub.2 --CHF--CF.sub.3                                                            .sup.1 H NMR (CDCl.sub.3. δ):                                             3.28(s, N--CH.sub.3).                          3.70(br, t, S--CH.sub.2).                                                      4.9-5.2(m, CHF) ppm                                                          II-58                                                                               CH.sub.3    CH.sub.2 --CF.sub.2 --CHF.sub.2                                                              .sup.1 H NMR (CDCl.sub.3, δ):                                                3.28(s, N--CH.sub.3), 3.66                       (t, S--CH.sub.2), 5.90(tt,                                                     CHF.sub.2) ppm                                                            ______________________________________                                    

STARTING MATERIALS OF THE FORMULA (IV) Example (IV-1) ##STR229##

3.44 g (22 mmol) of phenyl chloroformate are added dropwise with efficient stirring to a mixture of 3.54 g (20 mmol) of 5-(2-fluoro-ethylthio)-4-methyl-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazol-3-one, 0.9 g(22 mmol) of sodium hydroxide, 0.1 g (0.3 mmol) of tetrabutylammonium bromide, 30 ml of water and 40 ml of methylene chloride, and the mixture is stirred for a further 12 hours. The organic phase is separated off, washed with water, dried with magnesium sulphate and concentrated under reduced pressure, and the residue obtained is crystallized from ether.

5.1 g (86% of theory) of 5-(2-fluoro-ethylthio)-4-methyl-2-phenoxy-carbonyl-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazol-3-one of melting point 106° C. are obtained.

By the method of Example (IV-1), it is also possible to prepare, for example, the compounds of the formula (IV) listed in Table 3 below: ##STR230##

                                      TABLE 3                                      __________________________________________________________________________     Examples of compounds of the formula (IV)                                      Ex. No.                                                                             Z           R.sup.1 R.sup.2    Mp. (° C.)                          __________________________________________________________________________       IV-2                                                                                                               CH.sub.2 --CF.sub.3 121                     - IV-3                                                                                                            #STR232##                                                                      CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --F 129                                                    - IV-4                                                                         CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CF.sub.3  114                                              - IV-5                                                                         CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CHF.sub.2                                                  - IV-6                                                                          CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --F                      - IV-7                                                                                                             CH.sub.3 CHF.sub.2                         - IV-8                                                                                                             STR238##                                                                      CHF.sub.2                                   - IV-9                                                                                                             STR240##                                                                      CF.sub.3                                    - IV-10                                                                                                            STR242##                                                                      CH.sub.2 --CHF.sub.2                        - IV-11                                                                                                           #STR244##                                                                        CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --CF.sub.3                                               - IV-12                                                                        #STR246##                                                                       CH.sub.2 --CF.sub.2 --CHF.sub.2                                               - IV-13                                                                        CH.sub.3    CF.sub.3                        - IV-14                                                                                                            CH.sub.2 --CH═CH.sub.2                                                  CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --F                       - IV-15                                                                                                           CH.sub.3  CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2                                                --CCl.sub.2 --CF.sub.3                        - IV-16                                                                                                           #STR251##                                                                      CH.sub.2 --F                                - IV-17                                                                                                           #STR253##                                                                      CH.sub.2 --Cl                               - IV-18                                                                                                           CH.sub.3  CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2                                                --CF.sub.3                                    - IV-19                                                                                                           CH.sub.3  CH.sub.2 --Cl                     - IV-20                                                                                                           C.sub.2 H.sub.5  CF.sub.3                   - IV-21                                                                                                           CH.sub.2 --CH═CH.sub.2 CF.sub.3         - IV-22                                                                                                           CH.sub.2 --CH═CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2                                          --CHF.sub.2                                   - IV-23                                                                                                           CH.sub.2 --CH═CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2                                          --CF.sub.3                                    - IV-24                                                                                                           #STR261##                                                                      CF.sub.3                                    - IV-25                                                                                                           #STR263##                                                                      CHF.sub.2                                   - IV-26                                                                                                           #STR265##                                                                      CH.sub.2 F                                  - IV-27                                                                                                           #STR267##                                                                      CH.sub.2 --Cl                               - IV-28                                                                                                           #STR269##                                                                      CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --F                     - IV-29                                                                                                           #STR271##                                                                      CH.sub.2 --CHF.sub.2                        - IV-30                                                                                                           #STR273##                                                                      CH.sub.2 --CF.sub.3                         - IV-31                                                                                                           #STR275##                                                                      CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --Cl                    - IV-32                                                                                                           CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --Cl                                              - IV-33                                                                        C.sub.2 H.sub.5 CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2                                          --Cl                                          - IV-34                                                                                                           #STR279##                                                                      CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --Cl                    - IV-35                                                                                                           CH.sub.2 --CH═CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2                                          --CH.sub.2 --Cl                               - IV-36                                                                                                           NH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --F                       - IV-37                                                                                                           NH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --Cl                      - IV-38                                                                                                           NH.sub.2 CHF.sub.2                          - IV-39                                                                                                           NH.sub.2 CF.sub.3                           - IV-40                                                                                                           NH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --F                                               - IV-41                                                                        NH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --Cl                                              - IV-42                                                                        NH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --CHF.sub.2                                                  - IV-43                                                                        NH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --CF.sub.3                                                   - IV-44                                                                        NH--CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --F                   - IV-45                                                                                                           NH--CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --Cl                  - IV-46                                                                                                           NH--CH.sub.3 CHF.sub.2                      - IV-47                                                                                                           NH--CH.sub.3 CF.sub.3                       - IV-48                                                                                                           NH--CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2                                             --F                                           - IV-49                                                                                                           NH--CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2                                             --Cl                                          - IV-50                                                                                                           NH--CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CHF.sub.2                                              - IV-51                                                                        NH--CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CF.sub.3                                               - IV-52                                                                        N--(CH.sub. 3).sub.2 CH.sub.2 --F                                              - IV-53                                                                        N--(CH.sub. 3).sub.2 CH.sub.2 --Cl                                             - IV-54                                                                        N--(CH.sub. 3).sub.2 CHF.sub.2                                                 - IV-55                                                                        N--(CH.sub. 3).sub.2 CF.sub.3                                                  - IV-56                                                                        N--(CH.sub. 3).sub.2 CH.sub.2                                                --CH.sub.2 --F                                - IV-57                                                                                                           N--(CH.sub. 3).sub.2 CH.sub.2                                                --CH.sub.2 --Cl                               - IV-58                                                                                                           N--(CH.sub. 3).sub.2 CH.sub.2                                                --CHF.sub.2                                   - IV-59                                                                                                           N--(CH.sub. 3).sub.2 CH.sub.2                                                --CF.sub.3                                    - IV-60                                                                                                           CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CHBr--CF.sub.3                                             - IV-61                                                                        CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CF.sub.2                                                 --CHF--CF.sub.3                               - IV-62                                                                                                           CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 --CF.sub.2                                                 --CHF.sub.2                                __________________________________________________________________________

USE EXAMPLES Example A Pre-emergence Test

Solvent: 5 parts by weight of acetone

Emulsifier: 1 part by weight of alkylaryl polyglycol ether

To produce a suitable preparation of active compound, 1 part by weight of active compound is mixed with the stated amount of solvent, and the stated amount of emulsifier is added and the concentrate is diluted with water to the desired concentration.

Seeds of the test plants are sown in normal soil. After 24 hours, the soil is watered with the preparation of the active compound. It is advantageous to keep constant the amount of water per unit area. The concentration of the active compound in the preparation is not critical, only the amount of active compound applied per unit area being decisive. After 3 weeks, the degree of damage to the plants is rated in per cent damage in comparison to the development of the untreated control. The figures denote:

0%=no action (like untreated control)

100%=total destruction

In this test, the compounds according to Preparation Examples 5, 11, 17, 18, 21, 25, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 43, 48, 49, 51, 52, 53, and 54, for example, exhibit a strong action against weeds.

                                      TABLE A                                      __________________________________________________________________________     Pre-emergence test/greenhouse                                                  Compound                                                                         of                                                                             Preparation Applica-                                                           Example tion rate   Ama- Galin- Matri-                                         No. g/ha Bromus Poa ranthus soga caria Portulaca Viola                       __________________________________________________________________________     51    250  95  95 95  95  100 95   95                                            34 125 80 95 95 95 100 100 90                                                  52 125 80 --  90 95 90 60 --                                                   53 125 90 -- 90 95 90 80 80                                                    54 125 90 -- 90 95 80 -- 60                                                    33 125 95 95 95 95 95 95 90                                                    17 125 95 95 95 95 95 100 95                                                   18 125 95 90 80 90 60 -- 95                                                    21 125 80 80 90 95 95 90 95                                                    25 125 95 90 95 95 95 100 90                                                   5 125 95 95 95 90 80 95 90                                                     11 125 80 70 95 95 95 95 95                                                    35 125 95 95 95 95 95 95 95                                                    36 125 50 80 95 100 -- 95 90                                                   37 125 95 60 95 100 95 100 95                                                  38 125 80 60 95 100 100 90 95                                                  39 125 95 95 95 95 95 100 95                                                   40 125 60 -- 95 95 80 80 --                                                    43 125 80 70 95 100 95 95 95                                                   48 125 95 95 95 95 95 95 70                                                    49 125 90 95 95 95 95 80 90                                                  __________________________________________________________________________

Example B Post-emergence Test

Solvent: 5 parts by weight of acetone

Emulsifier: 1 part by weight of alkylaryl polyglycol ether

To produce a suitable preparation of active compound, 1 part by weight of active compound is mixed with the stated amount of solvent, the stated amount of emulsifier is added and the concentrate is diluted with water to the desired concentration.

Test plants which have a height of 5-15 cm are sprayed with the preparation of the active compound in such a way as to apply the particular amounts of active compound desired per unit area. The concentration of the spray liquor is chosen so that the particular amounts of active compound desired are employed in 2000 l of water/ha. After three weeks, the degree of damage to the plants is rated in % damage in comparison to the development of the untreated control. The figures denote:

0%=no action (like untreated control)

100%=total destruction

In this test, the compounds of Preparation Examples 5, 8, 10, 11, 17, 33, 34, 38, 39, 48, 49, 51, 52, 53 and 54, for example, show a strong action against weeds.

                                      TABLE B                                      __________________________________________________________________________     Post-emergence test/greenhouse                                                 Compound of Preparation                                                                    Application                                                                          Amaran-                                                                             Am- Helian-                                                                            Matri-                                                                             Sola-                                                                             Stella-                                                                               Xan-                                Example No. rate g/ha thus brosia thus caria num ria Viola thium             __________________________________________________________________________     51          125   95   90  100 95  95 70  80 95                                  34 60 100 95 100 95 100 90 100 100                                             52 250 --  80 100 90 70 95 60 80                                               53 250 -- 95 100 95 95 95 95 90                                                54 125 95 90 100 80 95 70 90 90                                                33 60 100 90 100 95 100 95 90 --                                               17 60 90 90 80 50 80 70 50 90                                                  5 125 95 90 80 95 95 90 -- 95                                                  8 125 100 70 100 95 95 100 100 100                                             10 125 100 -- -- -- 95 90 -- 90                                                11 125 100 60 -- -- 100 95 60 90                                               38 125 95 95 95 70 90 95 95 80                                                 39 125 100 90 100 95 95 95 95 100                                              48 125 95 80 80 80 90 -- 90 70                                                 49 125 100 90 100 90 80 -- 95 70                                             __________________________________________________________________________

Example C Podosphaera Test (Apple)/Protective

Solvent: 4.7 parts by weight of acetone

Emulsifier: 0.3 part by weight of alkylaryl polyglycol ether

To produce a suitable preparation of active compound, 1 part by weight of active compound is mixed with the stated amount of solvent and emulsifier, and the concentrate is diluted with water to the desired concentration.

To test for protective activity, young plants are sprayed with the preparation of active compound. After the spray coating has dried on, the plants are inoculated by dusting with conidiae of the causative organism of apple mildew (Podosphaera leucotricha).

The plants are then placed in a greenhouse at 23° C. and a relative atmospheric humidity of about 70%.

Evaluation is carried out 10 days after the inoculation.

In this test, the compounds of Preparation Examples 34 and 51, for example, have an efficacy of 98 to 100% at an active compound concentration of 100 ppm.

                                      TABLE C                                      __________________________________________________________________________     Podosphaera test (apple)/protective                                                                         Efficacy in % of the untreated                       control at an active compound                                                 Active compound concentration of 100 ppm                                     __________________________________________________________________________                                    #STR309##                                                                     98                                                  -                                                                                                          100R310##                                       __________________________________________________________________________ 

We claim:
 1. A compound of the formula (I) ##STR311## wherein R¹ represents methyl, ethyl, n- or i-propyl, n-, i-, s- or t-butyl, or propenyl, butenyl, or cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl,R² represents fluorine- and/or chlorine-substituted methyl, ethyl, n- or i-propyl, n-, i-, s- or t-butyl, and R³ represents the radical ##STR312## in which R⁴ represents fluorine, chlorine, bromine, methyl, ethyl, n- or i-propyl, trifluoromethyl, methoxy, ethoxy, n- or i-propoxy, n- or i-butoxy, difluoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy, 2-chloro-ethoxy, 2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy, 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoro-ethoxy, 1,1,2,2,2-pentafluoro-ethoxy, 2-methoxy-ethoxy, methylthio, ethylthio, n- or i-propylthio, n-or i-butylthio, 2-fluoro-ethylthio, allyloxy, propargyloxy, methylsulphinyl, ethylsulphinyl, methylsulphonyl, ethylsulphonyl, dimethylaminosulphonyl, diethylaminosulphonyl, N-methoxy-N-methylamino-sulphonyl, phenyl, phenoxy, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, n- or i-propoxycarbonyl, andR⁵ represents hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, fluorine, chlorine or bromine.
 2. An herbicidal composition comprising an herbicidally effective amount of a compound according to claim 1 and an inert carrier.
 3. A method of controlling unwanted vegetation which comprises applying to such vegetation or to a locus from which it is desired to exclude such vegetation an herbicidally effective amount of a compound according to claim
 1. 